Plain packaging won't work

Imperial Tobacco New Zealand media statement

17 December 2013

Imperial Tobacco New Zealand says the plain packaging bill Minister Turia intends to introduce to Parliament next year will not have an impact on smoking in New Zealand.

“There is no evidence to suggest plain packaging will reduce smoking rates, despite what the anti-smoking lobby says,” says Brendan Walker, Imperial’s market manager. “Plain packaging will have serious negative repercussions but will not achieve any of the positive gains the Government seeks to achieve.”

“Plain packaging certainly hasn’t had any effect in Australia,” said Mr Walker. “Tobacco sales in Australia have been unaffected since plain packaging was introduced. At the same time, levels of illicit trade have increased and there has been a negative impact on retailers, who have had to bear the burden of this unnecessary legislation.”

“Why introduce legislation that will not be effective, but which will harm New Zealand’s international trading reputation?” said Mr Walker.

ENDS

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